Bernard Hallock

There are so many things we will remember about Bernard Hallock – his strong work ethic, his meticulous tendencies, and his spirit of generosity, but it was the way he lived his life with honor, courage, and unending compassion for those around him that we will miss most. He lived life on his own terms, but felt a tremendous amount of responsibility to help others in any way he could. A loving husband and devoted father, Bernie worked hard to support his family, yet still made the time to really live in each and every moment with the wife and children he adored. He taught us that it is not the things in life that truly make us happy, but it is in the lives we touch that we are richly blessed.

As the forties dawned America was still working hard to put one foot in front of the other after the crippling effects of the Great Depression and it wasn’t until the victory in WWII that we were finally able to turn the page on some of the most trying days our nation has ever seen. It was during this time of renewed hope that there was much to celebrate in the young family of Dewey and Barbara (Thompson) Hallock with the birth of a healthy baby boy on January 6, 1940. Bernard was born in Stanton, Michigan, as the second of six children in his family, although three of his younger siblings died in infancy. Raised alongside his older sister, Yvonne, and his younger sister, Charlene, he moved to a home on Hall Street in Grand Rapids while he was still a young boy. Bernie enjoyed cherry picking in Traverse City during his youth, but it was during his formative years that he discovered his true passion and gift: working with his hands. He worked alongside his father on the car his father raced at Berlin Raceway and although he learned a lot from his father, Bernie was also quite intuitive. He enjoyed working even during his younger years and got some good job experience, too, by delivering newspapers and selling popsicles.

For his education Bernie attended local schools but left school before his formal education was complete and began working at a local furniture company. He soon decided to enlist in the Navy and served aboard a destroyer for quite some time. Bernie worked as a boiler tender and was nicknamed a “tin can sailor” along with his shipmates. He enjoyed his time in the service for the most part and spent many an hour playing cards with fellow sailors.

Not to be forgotten during this time was his romance with a certain young woman who had stolen Bernie’s heart. Her name was Susan Ebling and the couple had gone out on a blind date while still in high school. After falling deeply in love, Bernie and Susan became husband and wife on January 16, 1959, while he was still in the service. His new bride eventually joined him in California, but she returned to Grand Rapids when he was shipped out to Hawaii.

After his honorable discharge Bernie returned to Michigan where he was reunited with his wife and their son, David. By 1962 the family had moved to a home on Bristol where Bernie would remain for the rest of his life. With the additions of Bernard and Paula some time later, the family of five was complete.

In order to provide a comfortable lifestyle for his family, Bernie worked hard in whatever industry he was in. He worked in heating and cooling for a time and then for Kelvinator before he settled into a career as a die maker with Buiter Tool and Die that would span 42 years. Bernie thoroughly enjoyed his work there and put in many hours every week, but he also liked the people he worked with, too. He was very proud of his extensive collection of tools, and he didn’t retire until just a couple of years ago when he was no longer able to work the way he was accustomed to.

Although his work took him away from home throughout much of the week, Bernie also made the time for plenty of family fun. Whatever they did the Hallocks did on a budget including fun-filled trips to the local Dog ‘n Suds. Bernie spent time coaching Little League and often enjoyed socializing alongside his wife with their longtime group of friends. The group gathered to play a lot of cards through the years including cribbage and pinochle.

With his time away from work, Bernie was usually one to keep busy. He was a skilled handyman who could fix just about anything and used his skills not only on his own projects, but also by helping so many others around him. Whether it was plumbing, electrical, or something in between, Bernie was the one to call. He always looked forward to chopping wood with his Uncle Dale, and his family enjoyed having plenty of fires during the winter months. Bernie did some gardening, but it was always plain to see that he was a man of precision - even when it came to his planting. He did some bowling, played some cards, and even tried golfing, but it was really his work that was always his hobby.

As he got older Bernie took to reading, especially mystery novels by authors like Grisham, Clancy, and Graley. When he was in charge of the radio, Bernie tuned in to old country music by legends such as Johnny Cash. He liked watching the Tigers and Lions play, and during his retirement years he volunteered at North End Community Ministry until his health struggles no longer allowed it. As grandchildren joined his family Bernie loved supporting them in their endeavors as often as he could, including helping them sell, deliver and by occasionally helping them set-up their Christmas tree business on the corner of Leonard and Walker. He taught his daughter and son-in-law how to play pinochle, and he liked playing cribbage with his grandchildren, and saw to it that they earned their win.

Bernard Hallock was described as a good man who wholeheartedly applied himself to whatever task was at hand. He was rather quiet by nature and only talked when he had something to say, but he could also be stubborn at times, too. He never tired of doing what was right and was fully devoted to the family he treasured. Bernie will be deeply missed.

Bernard “Bernie” Hallock” died on July 13, 2011. Bernie’s family includes his wife, Susan; children, David (Gina) Hallock, Bernard (Melody) Hallock, Paula (Paul) Helsel; three grandchildren, David Hallock, Nickol McKenzie and Kristen Hallock; and step-grandchildren Keith and Kimmi Havener and Paul (Jess) Helsel and Brandi (Randy) Shepler; his beloved Aunt Letha Chapin, Uncle Vernon (Marie) Hallock; brothers-in-law, Al (Marie) VanEssen, David (Marlene) Ebling; sisters-in-law, Virginia (Kenneth) Recker, Moyra Ebling; nieces, nephews and cousins. A service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, July 16 at 11 a.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW where friends may visit with his family on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Faith United Methodist Church are appreciated. To share a favorite memory or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.